Speech and Language Therapist

South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Trust; Barnsley; On-site; GBP 31,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading NHS Trust is looking for a Specialist Speech and Language Therapist to join their Intensive Support Team. Applicants should have a degree in speech and language therapy and be motivated to work with adults facing learning disabilities. The role requires assessment and treatment of communication needs, contributing to a multidisciplinary team. This position offers competitive pay and flexible working arrangements.

Benefits

Flexible working hours

Professional development opportunities

Qualifications

• Experience working with people with learning disabilities in a clinical setting.
• Post registration experience including in learning disabilities.
• Ability to implement 6C values & behaviours expected of health care professionals.

Responsibilities

• Assess service users' communication needs and provide advice.
• Work independently and make autonomous decisions.
• Provide speech and language therapy assessment and treatment.

Skills

Communication skills

Teamwork

Organizational skills

Flexibility

Education

Degree in speech and language pathology or equivalent

Royal College of Speech and Language Therapist Certificate to Practice

Registration with Health Care Professions Council (HCPC)

Job description

Go back South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Trust

Speech and Language Therapist

The closing date is 29 September 2025

We have an exciting opportunity for a Specialist Speech and Language Therapist to join our friendly and welcoming Intensive Support Team (IST). We are looking for a Specialist Speech and Language Therapist who is motivated and enthusiastic to work with adults with a learning disability and mental health problems and/or behaviours of concern, who are at risk of placement breakdown or hospital admission and require intensive input from a multidisciplinary team. This can be a development post for a band 5 to 6 Speech and Language Therapist.

The successful candidate would offer speech and language input to vulnerable clients and receive job satisfaction of knowing you are making a significant impact on a person\'s quality of life by helping those around them to understand them.

The IST is part of the Community Learning Disability Health Team, and we place a strong emphasis on multidisciplinary working. We have strong and effective links with our partner agencies including the local authority and ICB as well as local care providers.

This post will be based at the Mapplewell Centre, which has a specialist sensory room and a rebound therapy room. The service is open Monday to Friday 9 to 5. We can offer flexible working hours and an agile working policy.

All employees of the Trust are strongly encouraged to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 to protect patients.

Main duties of the job

The role of the Specialist Speech and Language Therapist is to assess the service users\' communication needs and provide advice and training to ensure the service users\' needs are understood by carers and services that are supporting them.

You will be an integral part of the IST and contribute towards assessments, formulations and interventions based on your clinical experience, assessments and observations.

You will also be required to work independently and to make autonomous decisions. In this role you will be given freedom to use your own initiative and we will welcome candidates with a can do attitude.

You will receive clinical supervision from a Senior Speech and Language Therapist, whilst also having the opportunity to link in with colleagues in the other ISTs and community teams.

A key aspect of the post is the role of care coordination and working closely with other agencies to bring about successful outcomes for our service users.

Professional development is actively encouraged, and we would be able to offer the successful candidate the opportunity to train upon applicant preference and service need.

At the time of advertising, this role does meet the minimum requirements set by UK Visas and Immigration to sponsor candidates to work in the UK. We look forward to receiving your application.

About us

We are a specialist NHS Foundation Trust that provides community, mental health and learning disability services for the people of Barnsley, Calderdale, Kirklees and Wakefield. We also provide low and medium secure services and are the lead for the west Yorkshire secure provider collaborative.

Our mission is to help people reach their potential and live well in their communities, we do this by providing high-quality care in the right place at the right time. We employ staff in both clinical and non-clinical services who work hard to make a difference to the lives of service users, families and carers.

We encourage and welcome applications from all protected characteristic groups, we value diversity and want our workforce to be reflective of our communities.

Being a foundation Trust means we are accountable to our members, who can have a say in how we run. Around 14,300 local people (including staff) are members of our Trust.

Join us and you will be one of over 4,500 staff committed to supporting and improving the mental, physical and social needs of the thousands of people we meet and help each year.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expect all colleagues and volunteers to share this commitment.

We do reserve the right to close vacancy before the advertised closing date if necessary, so please apply as soon as possible.

Job responsibilities

For full job description, please see attached supporting documents.

Band 5

JOB SUMMARY

The post holder will be required to work as an integral part of the multi-disciplinary team, providing SLT assessment and treatment for service users in receipt of care from community services. Enabling service users to engage in a range of community based treatment activities. You will be actively involved in the promotion of SLT within the service area. The post holder will be required to work flexibly to meet the needs of the service and the client group.

KEY RESULT AREAS:

Clinical

To provide clinical advice on the assessment, diagnosis and management of speech, language and communication difficulties and where applicable, swallowing difficulties, with a range of clients, including those with complex needs and to develop a clinical interest within the context of the caseload

To manage a caseload independently with regular supervision and to prepare, implement and evaluate communication programmes and advice for clients to ensure the delivery of designated standards of care consistent with service policy and RCSLT guidelines

To demonstrate sound clinical judgment, including negotiation, differential diagnosis, reflection, evaluation and the development of care plans. Clinical practice should be framed with reference to evidence based practice, having access to a supervisor, showing a recognition of own professional boundaries and the need for supervision, support and advice

To monitor, evaluate and modify treatment in order to measure progress and ensure effectiveness of intervention.

To adopt a client centred and sensitive approach to therapy, collaborating with clients (and / or carer(s) where appropriate) in all aspects of the therapy process.

To work proactively alongside other staff and clients in meeting their needs and to assist each individual to integrate with the local community as fully as possible, using practical and creative problem solving approaches to gain the active participation of services users.

To provide SLT reports on assessment and treatment by written and verbal reports to Consultants, GPs and other agencies involved, and to ensure that all correspondence relating to caseload is dealt with promptly.

To provide SLT perspective in multi-disciplinary team meetings, ward rounds, clinics and case conferences as required.

To ensure that up to date records and activity data are maintained in accordance with professional and Trust standards and policies.

Management and Leadership

To manage your own caseload and day to day activities.

To assist in the co-ordination of day to day activities of unqualified staff in the service area.

To work effectively as a team member, operating flexibly to meet the needs of the service and collaborating with other team members.

Ensure the Team Manager is kept informed of all aspects of the work, especially the development needs of the service.

Band 6

JOB SUMMARY

The post holder will be required to work as an integral member of the multi-disciplinary team, providing specialist speech and language therapy assessment and treatment for service users in receipt of care from community services. Enabling service users to engage in a range of individual and group community based treatment activities. You will be actively involved in the promotion of Salt and Language therapy within the service area. The post holder will be required to work flexibly to meet the needs of the service and the client group.

The post holder will contribute to the leadership and development of the Specialist Learning Disability Health Team in accordance within local and national guidance.

KEY RESULT AREAS:

1.Clinical

To undertake specific standardised and non-standardised assessments to formulate effective treatment plans in conjunction with the service user, family and carer.

Formulate and deliver individual treatment programmes based on specialist knowledge for differential diagnosis for communication and dysphagia, (evidence based practice, national and local guidelines using profession specific clinical skills and techniques. (eg standardised assessments, AAC, group and individual work).

To interpret the assessment results in order to plan and implement a client centred speech and language therapy treatment programme on an individual and/or group basis to achieve therapeutic goals.

To ensure therapeutic interventions are of a high professional standard, informed by evidence based practice and involves the service user and carer in all aspects of the care programme.

To demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the effect of disability providing training and advice on lifestyle changes/adaptations to the clients social and physical environments.

To act as the care programme co-ordinator as required and to offer carers an assessment and care plan where appropriate.

To contribute to a co-ordinated team approach throughout the assessment and in meeting the service users needs including developing and maintaining close working relationships with all relevant services, and agencies within the voluntary sector.

To regularly evaluate the effectiveness of group and individual speech and language therapy interventions by undertaking specific audits and using outcome measures such as standardised / other relevant assessments and service user satisfaction questionnaires.

To continue treatment interventions where necessary to assist in the transition of skills from an inpatient setting to living independently within the community.

To work effectively within the multi-agency team ensuring that both written and verbal communication is clearly maintained to ensure a seamless service.

To be responsible for the maintenance of appropriate clinical records concerned with service user treatment, in accordance with risk management documentation guidelines.

To arrange/attend appropriate clinical team meetings, referral meetings, case conferences, care programme approach meetings and any other as required by clinical need and as directed by the Lead AHP.

To provide accurate and timely reports, statistical data through the electronic recording system and other information as required.

To participate in monthly clinical and managerial supervision and to provide clinical supervision to other speech and language staff.

To work as an autonomous practitioner.

We are aware that an increasing number of applicants are using AI technology to generate responses on NHS Job application forms. Over reliance on AI-generated content in application forms is strongly discouraged and we will conduct a thorough screening process before selecting candidates to progress to the next stage. If you are using AI to enhance your application, please disclose this in your NHS Jobs application form.

Person Specification

Personal Attributes

• Ability to implement all of the 6C values & behaviours expected of health care professionals.
• Values contribution of others.
• Ability to motivate self and others.
• Organisational skills.
• Effective communication skills, verbal and written.
• Willingness to work flexibly.
• A Current driving licence and access to a car during the working day is essential (reasonable adjustments will be considered for any applicants who are unable to drive due to a disability).
• Hold a full driving licence.

Training

• Band 5
• To be willing to undertake post graduate training to further skills, knowledge and expertise.
• Band 6
• Post graduate Dysphagia training or ability to successfully complete the training within 2 years.
• Evidence of ongoing training and relevant post graduate courses in communication and dysphagia.
• Band 5
• Evidence of post qualification training.
• Band 6
• Post graduate training relevant to Learning Disability.

Qualifications

• Band 5
• Degree in speech and language pathology or therapy or equivalent.
• Royal College of Speech and Language Therapist Certificate to Practice.
• Registration with Health Care Professions Council (HCPC).
• Band 6
• Degree in Speech and Language Therapy or equivalent.
• Registration with Health Care Professions Council (HCPC).
• RCSLT Registration.

Physical Attributes

• Ability to undertake the duties and demands of the post.
• A satisfactory sickness record over the previous 2 years (subject to the need to act with fairness and equality of opportunity, particularly where the sickness is related to a disability and/or pregnancy).

Special Knowledge & Skills

• Band 5
• A demonstrable range of core professional skills, including familiarity with a range of clinical protocols.
• Demonstrable knowledge of communication disorders presenting in a range of clients with communication difficulties in order to provide assessment, diagnosis and intervention.
• Flexible clinical skills which take account of the needs of the individual client.
• Demonstrable knowledge of issues related to the delivery of training to a range of recipients.
• Insight into issues of confidentiality in the context of health care.
• Insight into the requirement for excellence in clinical record keeping.
• An awareness of the functions of related professions, agencies and legislation relating to services to clients.
• Band 6
• Specialist knowledge and application of Speech & Language Therapy assessments and interventions relevant to learning disability.
• Extensive clinical practice skills including individual and group work.
• Understanding of and ability to use appropriate outcome measures.
• Ability to work autonomously and set own priorities.
• Ability to analyse professional and ethical issues.
• Supervisory / appraisal skills.
• Ability to reflect and critically appraise own performance.
• Ability to organise and respond efficiently to complex information.
• Ability to build effective working relationships.
• Detailed knowledge of clinical governance and its application.
• Band 5
• Knowledge and understanding of cultural and diversity issues.
• An awareness of screening procedure for swallowing difficulties.
• Band 6
• Knowledge and understanding of cultural and diversity issues.
• An understanding of the specific contribution of Speech and Language Therapists in Learning Disability Services.

Experience

• Band 5
• Ability to demonstrate knowledge of working with people with Learning Disabilities.
• Band 6
• Post registration experience including in learning disabilities.
• Documented evidence of continuing professional development.
• Supervision of staff and / or students.
• Band 5
• Experience of working with people with a learning disability in a clinical setting.
• Previous experience as a speech and language therapist working in the NHS.
• Experience of working within a multi-disciplinary team.
• Band 6
• Experience of a range of learning disability settings.
• Supervision of staff and / or students.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Trust

£31,049 to £46,580 a year; Dependant on experience